Frigidaire · Dryer Moderate

E5B — Heater Fault (No Heating)

E5B means the control thermistor's temperature reading hasn't changed within the expected time after the heater was commanded on — the dryer isn't actually heating. It's a no-heat fault, not an exhaust-thermistor open/low-resistance sensor code.

Keep using it?
Yes, with caution
DIY difficulty
Moderate

How to fix it

  1. Unplug the dryer before testing.
  2. Check the thermal fuse (often on the blower housing or exhaust duct) for continuity — if it's blown, replace it and find/clear the airflow restriction that caused it to trip.
  3. On electric dryers, test the heating element for continuity/resistance and replace if open.
  4. On gas dryers, because burner/igniter/gas valve diagnosis involves the gas supply, have a qualified technician diagnose and repair it rather than DIY.
  5. If the fuse and heating element test fine, the control board's heater relay may be at fault — replace the main control board.

Why it happens

Typical signs: E5B on display · Dryer runs but produces no heat, or very weak heat · Clothes remain wet or cool at the end of the cycle · Cycle may stop early

  • Failed heating element (electric) or burner/igniter (gas) not turning on The heater never actually energizes even though it's commanded on.
  • Blown thermal fuse or thermal cutoff A safety fuse tripped by restricted airflow cuts power to the heater circuit entirely.
  • Heater relay on the control board not energizing Less common — the board isn't switching the heater circuit on.

Parts you may need

If diagnosis points to a failed part, these are the common replacements. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

  • Frigidaire dryer thermal fuse Common replacement
    Amazon →
  • Frigidaire electric dryer heating element Common replacement
    Amazon →

More Frigidaire dryer codes

E11 E11 — Control Board Checksum (Memory) Error E4A E4A — Program Time Out Fault E61 E61 — Heater relay failure on control board E62 E62 — Heater Power Relay Fault E64 E64 — Heating element open circuit E66 E66 — Thermal Limiter Open Circuit

All Frigidaire codes → All dryer codes →

Frequently asked questions

What does the E5B code mean on a Frigidaire dryer?

E5B means the control thermistor's temperature reading hasn't changed within the expected time after the heater was commanded on — the dryer isn't actually heating. It's a no-heat fault, not an exhaust-thermistor open/low-resistance sensor code.

What causes the E5B code on a Frigidaire dryer?

Failed heating element (electric) or burner/igniter (gas) not turning on: The heater never actually energizes even though it's commanded on. Blown thermal fuse or thermal cutoff: A safety fuse tripped by restricted airflow cuts power to the heater circuit entirely. Heater relay on the control board not energizing: Less common — the board isn't switching the heater circuit on.

Is it safe to keep using a Frigidaire dryer with a E5B error?

Yes, with caution. This is rated a moderate-severity fault.

How do I fix E5B on a Frigidaire dryer?

Unplug the dryer before testing. Check the thermal fuse (often on the blower housing or exhaust duct) for continuity — if it's blown, replace it and find/clear the airflow restriction that caused it to trip. On electric dryers, test the heating element for continuity/resistance and replace if open.

Always unplug an appliance before servicing it. This guide is for informational purposes and is not a substitute for a qualified technician.